BBC's Match of the Day nightmare: Gary Lineker leaves and pundit follows him out the door

The thought of exiting Match of the Day will leave many fans' heads spinning.

Yet, whispers that the ex-Spurs and Leicester frontman might be nearing the end of his BBC innings from director of sport Alex Kay-Jelski hinting at Lineker's departure made the rounds.

BBC, however, didn't dilly-dally in putting minds at ease. It swiftly responded to quash the speculation, with its statement stressing: "We have nothing to announce, and we have not agreed on the next steps regarding his contract. He is on contract until the end of the season."

But, what if Lineker does choose to hang up his MOTD mic. Who would the BBC eye to take over the reins? delves into the BBC's potential 2025 predicament.

Gary Lineker waves farewell to the broadcaster

Lineker has been a long-time fixture at the BBC, but his contract is set to expire at the end of the current Premier League season. According to reports, Lineker is willing to take a pay cut to remain with the corporation, despite being the BBC's top earner with a $1.75 million salary for the 2023/24 season.

On his podcast, The Rest Is Football, Lineker discussed his contract situation, saying: "It's been a strange few days. As you know, like Trent [Alexander-Arnold], like Virgil [van Dijk], like Mo [Salah], I am coming to the end of my contract in the summer.

"It's natural at some point that you have to have conversations, and they've just started. I don't know why it all spiraled out of control, but all is okay."

If Lineker fails to reach a new deal with the BBC, he is likely to be financially secure thanks to his successful football and punditry career, as well as lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Walkers. With an estimated net worth of around $39 million, Lineker could easily kick back and enjoy his retirement if he decides to part ways with the BBC.

However, at 63, he still has plenty of years left in him and would undoubtedly find work elsewhere in no time. If Lineker does choose to leave, the BBC would face the daunting task of finding a suitable replacement for him.

While many names have been thrown into the mix over recent months, it's fair to say that none can quite match up to Lineker and his impressive achievements. Mark Chapman, the current presenter of Match of the Day 2, could potentially step up to the plate, while former England and Arsenal defender Alex Scott might also be considered for a permanent role on the show.

Other potential replacements for Lineker include Gabby Logan, Jason Mohammad, Kelly Sommers, and even Theo Walcott.

Ripple effect

It's not just Lineker who could walk, Alan Shearer could also follow suit.

The pair have built successful punditry careers together over the years, and their on-screen chemistry is clearly a result of their long-standing friendship.

The Newcastle United icon has already stood by his mate and co-host in previous tough times. Lineker found himself sidelined after drawing comparisons on social comparing language used in the Tory Government's migration policy to that of Nazi Germany on social media last March. BBC's front office opted to sideline him for breaching its political impartiality rules.

While his absence was short, the repercussions were profound: a bare-bones Match of the Day ensued, rendered to a scarce 20-minute void of commentary or punditry — as both Shearer and Ian Wright chose to bow out in "solidarity", not willing to participate sans their chief anchor.

With both Lineker and Shearer potentially out, BBC might well find itself scrambling for replacements—left pondering if anyone truly can fill the boots of such a celebrated duo known for their incisive footy insight, infectious charm, and razor-sharp banter.